Melissa Gilbert Feels She's Living a 'Nightmare' as Timothy Busfield Remains in Jail amid Child Abuse Charges: Source (Exclusive) By Liza Esquibias

Melissa Gilbert’s feels like she’s living in a “nightmare” as Timothy Busfield remains behind bars amid allegations of child sex abuse.

A source tells PEOPLE that the Little House on the Prairie actress, 61, is concerned about her husband, 68, who is being held in a New Mexico jail after being charged with two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse. 

“The past week has been a nightmare for Melissa,” the insider says. “She’s very concerned about Tim in jail. She wants him out on bond so he’s safe. The detention facility where he’s being held has safety issue complaints and Melissa is extremely worried. Her focus is to try and get him out on bond this week.”

The source adds that Gilbert, who married Busfield in 2013, plans on being in New Mexico this week. 

Busfield surrendered to authorities and was officially charged on Tuesday, Jan. 13, after the Albuquerque Police Department issued a warrant for his arrest four days prior. The warrant alleged that he engaged in unlawful sexual conduct with 11-year-old twin boys, who were child actors and met Busfield on the set of the FOX series The Cleaning Lady, where he served as a director. 

On Wednesday, Jan. 14, Busfield made his first court appearance before a judge. The following day, Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman held a press conference, where he stated that the case has been transferred to the District Court, and Busfield has a court date for pretrial detention hearing on Tuesday, Jan. 20.

At the hearing, a judge will determine whether to approve the prosecution’s motion for Busfield to remain in custody until trial or if he will be released, with or without conditions (New Mexico has eliminated monetary bail). He will then formally be charged and arraigned.

Bregman further revealed that The West Wing actor could face up to 15 years in jail if found guilty of the three criminal charges.

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The pretrial detention motion, obtained by PEOPLE, also included an unrelated additional allegation of sexual abuse against Busfield by Colin Swift, who reported to law enforcement on Jan. 13 that Busfield allegedly sexually abused Swift’s daughter “several years ago” in Sacramento, Calif., when she was auditioning for him at B Street Theatre.

Busfield has denied all child sex abuse crimes.

In a video obtained by TMZ, taken moments before turning himself in to police, Busfield said that he plans to “confront these lies” and “fight.”

His civil attorney, Larry Stein, who has also denied all allegations that the actor engaged in unlawful sexual conduct, told PEOPLE in a statement on Jan. 13 that Timothy is “absolutely shocked” at the “false” allegation against him.

“He’s devastated and will defend himself, because these are absolutely false allegations,” Stein added.

Gilbert, who is listed as a potential witness in the case, voiced support for her husband in a letter to the judge, which was included in Busfield’s response in opposition to the state’s motion for pretrial detention submitted on Friday, Jan. 16. 

She wrote in part, “the reality is that Tim Busfield is my love, my rock, my partner in business and life. He is my comfort and my council. His joy, humor and quick wit bring sparkle to my life. Tim is, quite simply, the beating heart of our wild and wonderful extended family.”

“I can tell you, and anyone, that I know Tim better and more intimately than anything in his life ever has. Conversely, he knows me in the same way,” she continued. “Tim has the strongest moral compass of any human I have ever known. He has dedicated his spiritual self to always being of service to others. He starts every day with kindness and compassion.”

Gilbert went on to say that on “every single set where Tim is working,” she’s been approached by “multiple people” who say he is “their favorite director ever.” She also said “one of the great joys of my life” has been watching Busfield interact with her youngest son, Michael.

“I am trying to tow a line between logic and all the feelings swirling through me,” Gilbert concluded. “I began this letter with logic, but now the feelings have taken over. I can’t help it,” she said. “I only want this extraordinary man safe and whole. So, I will close by asking you to please, please, take care of my sweet husband. As he is my protector, I am his, but I cannot protect him now and I think that, more than anything else, is what is truly breaking my heart, I am relying on your to protect him for me.”

In a previous statement issued on her behalf on Jan. 13, the actress’ rep, Ame Van Iden, made it clear that Gilbert will not “speak publicly while the legal process unfolds.”

“During this period, her focus is on supporting and caring for their very large family, as they navigate this moment,” she continued. “Melissa stands with and supports her husband and will address the public at an appropriate time. We ask that their privacy be respected.”

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If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.